Cats captain Wikus van Heerden will hear later today whether he will be able to lead the team against the Western Force in a bottom of the table Vodacom Super 14 encounter on Friday night.

Van Heerden missed the crushing 46-17 defeat at the hands of the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld at the weekend with an injured left knee, but was a frustrated observer as the Cats threw away several good opportunities. “It was very difficult sitting in the stand and watching the game. I just wanted to get out there and play,” van Heerden told keo.co.za.

Van Heerden has been a relative pillar of strength in the Cats poor season and says he is itching to get back on the park. “Luckily there is no ligament damage. It’s just wear and tear and all I needed was some rest so I’m sure I’ll be back for the Force game.”

With the ferocity that van Heerden lays his body on the line for his team it is no surprise he had to give the Bulls game a skip, but Cats fans will be hoping his imminent return against the only team below them on the log will be the catalyst for a rare victory.